1918] 



Wax Moth Parasite 



177 



the proper position, and then released. The eggs are not 

 fastened, but he loosely in the folds of the skin of the host. 



The eggs hatch in from 3 to 7 days and the young parasites 

 immediately fasten themselves to the body of the host and 

 begin to feed. The length of the larval stage was found to be 

 rather variable, lasting from two to four weeks or even longer. 

 Without exception, the moth larva was attacked by bacteria 

 and reduced, before the parasite larvae completed their growth, 

 to a putrescent semi-liquid state, held together only by the 

 skin of the host. 



Fig. 2. Adults of Dibrachys clisiocampa Fitch. 



The pupal stage required from 14 to 25 days for its com- 

 pletion. Thus the life cycle from egg to adult varied from 31 

 to 59 days. The longest period occurred during mid winter 

 when the temperature in the insectary often fell as low as G0° 

 at night. 



The adults feed readily upon sweetened water and under 

 natural conditions, honey or nectar probably makes up a large 

 part of their diet. The females were observed to puncture dead 

 larvae with the ovipositor and carefully draw up parts of the 

 body tissue to the surface of the cocoon and then feed upon it. 



